Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen is summoning mayors from all four municipalities to his office today at 10 a.m. to discuss the importance of the upcoming Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax  (SPLOST) vote in March.

“This is not a new tax; it’s just a renewal of the existing SPLOST that we already have,” Commissioner Allen stated. He emphasized the urgency of getting the measure on the ballot, and will be presenting local municipalities with information this morning concerning the special local option one-cent sales tax.

The SPLOST, which was initially approved by voters in 2019, generates approximately $3.8 million annually for the county. This revenue is essential for local operations, special projects, and funding for municipalities within the county. Without voter approval for the renewal, Allen warns that both the county and its cities could face dire financial consequences.

Commissioner Allen says he is committed to ensuring that the community is informed and engaged in the process. Voter participation in the March 18 election is crucial to maintain the current funding structure and support future projects that benefit all residents, according to the commissioner.

The meeting today is open to the public and will be held at the commissioner’s office on Commerce Street in downtown Summerville.